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The numbers have
their obvious uses:
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sg:
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Denotes one thing and/or person
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(1)
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du:
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Denotes exactly two things and/or persons.
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(2)
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pl:
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Denotes three or more things and/or persons
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(3)
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Note:
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sg may denote a class of individuals.
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(4)
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du is the proper en sole number by which duality
is expressed.
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(5)
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pl of proper names denotes the area/country of
him/her.
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(6)
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pl is often used in addressing a person of
importance. (This applies to pronouns also.)
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(7)
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pl of the first person is commonly used denoting
something singular or dual.
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(8)
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Examples:
Śiṣyau ācāryam pṛcchataḥ.
‘The two pupils ask the teacher’ (2 & 5)
Kim
ambābhiḥ preṣitaḥ?
‘Are [you] sent by my revered mother?’ (7)
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